IT’S only right and proper to start this column with a big thank-you to the Oxford United fans who have made this one of the most memorable weeks since I arrived at the club.

We have shared some unbelievable days over the last couple of years.

There have been some famous cup wins, a promotion and a Wembley final, but there was still a shiver down my spine when I walked out of the tunnel last Saturday to see, hear and even feel the reception you gave to the players.

The lads behind the goal had done a magnificent job in setting up a display of flags and they rightly deserve a lot of credit.

But wherever you looked, in every stand, there were people on their feet waving flags, singing and chanting.

Never under-estimate the difference that makes.

It is intimidating to the opposition and can’t fail to lift your own players.

Even before we came out, you could hear the buzz from the crowd in the dressing room.

We knew it was going to be special.

The players deserve enormous credit for responding to the crowd, but also for staying totally disciplined in such a passionate derby.

We had spoken before about keeping 11 men on the pitch and I doubt many teams this season

will be better disciplined than we are.

It was a great occasion and I hope you all celebrated long and hard.

But almost immediately we had to switch our attention to today’s away game at MK Dons.

The ‘feelgood factor’ continues with close to 4,000 supporters likely to be cheering us on.

That is an astonishing number of away fans – there won’t be that many following Premier League clubs at other games today.

We have to harness that support and use it to our advantage.

The players will be briefed on what to expect, but we know it’s another tough game against a very good side.

It is strange how our away form was so strong last season, but we haven’t clicked into top gear on the road yet this time.

That will change.

Two wins and two clean sheets should boost confidence and with the Yellow Army in full voice, it promises to be another day to remember.

THIS week has seen good progress from three of our injured players.

Curtis Nelson should be back, fingers crossed, in a couple of weeks while Rob Hall continues to make excellent progress and will add to our attacking options.

They are both back out on the training pitch doing some running work, but it was also good to see Christian Ribeiro around the training ground this week.

He was desperately unlucky to fracture his ankle in the very last training session before the season started.

I know from personal experience how hard it can be to sit on the sidelines but ‘Ribs’ is a positive character, a good pro, and I am sure he will be back as good as new later in the season.